Met Office verdict on exact time 'Spanish plume' will spark 29C Indian summer

02 September 2023 , 04:00

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The Met Office has hinted at an Indian summer after a series of washout months this year (Image: PA)

The Met Office has confirmed the exact date and time UK weather is expected to hit a balmy 29C this week – sparking hopes for an Indian summer after a washout August.

Although September 1st marks the start of meteorological Autumn, it seems we might be in for some warm temperatures yet, with the mercury forecast to rise to nearly 30C in London on Thursday. That's because an Iberian jet stream looks set to carry a plume of warm Spanish air over the United Kingdom in the coming days.

In fact, weathermen and women across the country have even hinted at a mid-September heatwave being on the cards, although it's still early days so don't go cracking out the Speedos just yet.

An Indian summer could be on the cards at last. (Amer Ghazzal/REX/Shutterstock)

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Chris Bulmer, said: “As high pressure becomes established from this weekend, fine and settled conditions will develop and along with this we will see a rise in temperature across most parts of the UK next week. Many places can expect to see maximum temperatures rise to 25°C or above for several days, which would bring some locations into the realm of heatwave conditions.

“Although the highest temperatures are likely to be in the south and east of England, these areas also have higher temperature thresholds for heatwave conditions to be declared. So, while some areas may just miss out on the actual definition, regardless of thresholds, many areas will enjoy a fine period of weather with plenty of sunshine and temperatures are likely to be the highest for many since June or early July.”

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

It might be time to track down the sun cream! (Amer Ghazzal/REX/Shutterstock)

The long-range forecast for September 15 to 29 states: "Into the second half of September the mostly settled pattern is likely to continue, although southern areas are likely to remain at risk of occasional showers and thunderstorms. With time, high pressure may reorientate further to the north or northeast, increasing the likelihood of an easterly flow, that, coupled with lower pressure to the south or southwest of the UK, could bring above-average rainfall to eastern areas.

"Meanwhile, western regions may end up being somewhat drier than normal. It may feel fairly warm for late September, with temperatures overall likely to be slightly higher than average."

Matt Clemenson